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Honey Garlic Chicken

This Honey Garlic Chicken transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dinner with a golden, sticky glaze that perfectly balances sweet honey with savory garlic, creating tender chicken with incredible aroma.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or 4 chicken breasts)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, thyme, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl to make the honey garlic sauce.
  2. Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, carefully add chicken skin-side down.
  4. Cook chicken without moving for 5-6 minutes until it releases easily from the pan and displays golden-brown color. Flip and cook another 4-5 minutes until the second side develops the same beautiful crust.
  5. Pour the honey garlic mixture directly over the chicken. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 8-10 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken every few minutes until sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
  6. Check that chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature, then remove from heat. Let it rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Notes

Marinate the chicken in half the sauce during morning for easier dinner prep. Don't rush the searing process for proper browning. Avoid high heat once sauce is added as honey burns quickly. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat gently in covered skillet over low heat with splash of water.